in the Magistrates’ Court?

Phil Simpson – With over 25 years experience, Phil can assist with getting you back on track and living your normal life sooner. Contact Phil today.

Expertise

With over 25 years experience I have represented thousands of clients in a wide variety of cases.

Clear Focus

I predominatley represent clients in driving offences, traffic offences and criminal offences.

Customer Satisfaction

My dedication to client satisfaction is unmatched, providing personalised service and exceeding expectations.

Have a criminal or driving matter in the Magistrates’ Court?

About Phil Simpson

Phil Simpson has been a Barrister at the Victorian Bar for over 25 years. During this time, he has appeared for thousands of clients in a wide variety of cases. Phil spends most of his time appearing in the Magistrates’ Court for people that have been charged by the Police with all manner of criminal and driving offences, including:

  • Theft and burglary
  • Breach offences (Community Corrections Orders and Intervention Orders)
  • Assault charges
  • Drug related offending
  • Sex offences
  • Suspended and disqualified driving
  • Hoon driving
  • Drink and drug driving
  • Dangerous driving
  • Careless driving
  • Police charges arising from motor-vehicle accidents

Phil also appears for individuals and companies that have been charged with regulatory offences such as:

  • Tax offences
  • Local Council and Agency prosecutions
  • Toll offences (City Link and Eastlink, including Penalty Enforcement Warrants)

Phil’s approach

Phil has a thorough knowledge of the law and is also pragmatic.  Phil is known for his down-to-earth approach and he works extremely to get his clients the best possible outcomes. Preparation and a clear understanding of your personal circumstances is vital to achieving an excellent result.

Phil understands that the Court process can be a very stressful experience. It is stressful for the person charged as well as their partners and family.  With this in mind, Phil will always take the time to thoroughly explain to every client the steps that are involved in achieving the best outcome. He will explain the “legal speak” in a way that makes sense. He will meet with you in person and he is also available via text, phone and email to answer any questions that you may have. 

Whatever the reason you find yourself before a Court, it’s very important to get advice from a practitioner who understand the complexities of both the process and the law.

Should I get Defense lawyer for my Court appearance?

While there is no requirement to be represented, the presence of a Barrister definitely sends the right message to the Court. Among other things, it demonstrates to the Court that you are taking your matter seriously. Magistrates frequently comment on the fact that a person has engaged legal representation. It also a good indication that you have gained an appropriate level insight and remorse about your offending while acknowledging the circumstances that led to the offending.  As a combination, these factors generally increase your chances a good outcome. I will work extremely hard to minimise the overall impact for you and for those that depend on you. I am very happy to discuss your options with you in order to achieve the best possible outcome.

Being charged by the Police can be very stressful

In my experience, there are many reasons why people find themselves charged with offences. It’s easy to feel like a criminal, even if it’s your first time before a Court. After more than 25 years in the Criminal Courts, I recognise that good people often find themselves charged with criminal offences. This can be a very stressful situation to find yourself in.

Common reasons for offending are as follows:

  • An uncharacteristically bad decision
  • Peer group pressure
  • Challenging personal circumstances
  • Mental-health or family struggles
  • A misunderstanding about your rights and obligations
  • Lack of support from friends or family
  • For some, the lack of effective and reliable public transport can sometimes be the reason why people drive while Suspended or Disqualified
  • Being uninformed about the potential penalties for your behaviour

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Sentencing in the Magistrates’ Court - Defence Lawyers

It’s not uncommon for people to contact me after already having made admissions or partial admissions to behaviour that is likely to result in criminal charges. Seeking the right advice at any stage of the process will assist you to make an informed decision about the best way forward. The proper management of a criminal or driving matter can have a significant impact on the outcome. There are a range of administrative steps and processes that will maximise your opportunity for an excellent result.

I am often instructed to prepare and conduct a plea in mitigation on behalf of clients in the Magistrates’ Court. It’s important to recognise that a great outcome is inevitably the result of a number of factors. Effective negotiations, thorough preparation and appropriate personal and therapeutic reference materials are essential to achieving a great result.  In addition to managing this process for you, there are also a range of resolution options that can be explored. I am results-focused and I will work with you to maximise your chances of an excellent outcome. There is no substitute for experience and knowledge when seeking to achieve the right result in the Magistrates’ Court.

Where to from here?

In preparation for your Court date, Phil will meet with you personally, listen to your side of the story, analyse the facts and provide advice on the law. He will also make suggestions about courses and agencies that may be able to assist you prior to your Court hearing. Phil will also make recommendations about suitable and appropriate character references.

Victorian Courts I Attend As a Defence Lawyer

FAQs

What courts do you attend?
I attend all metropolitan courts in Melbourne. I can also attend many regional courts. Please contact me to discuss your case Melbourne, date and circumstances.

The moment you have been faced with any charges or taken in for questioning you should make contact with a lawyer immediately.

Experience counts, and can often make a big difference in the outcome of your case. If you want the best chance of minimal loss of license or time in custody make sure you reach out.

Defense lawyer At Regional Victorian Courts

  • Ararat Magistrates Court
  • Bacchus Marsh Magistrates Court
  • Bairnsdale Magistrates Court
  • Ballarat Magistrates Court
  • Benalla Magistrates Court
  • Bendigo Law Courts
  • Castlemaine Magistrates Court
  • Cobram Magistrates Court

Victorian Courts Defense lawyer

  • Colac Magistrates Court
  • Corryong Magistrates Court
  • Dromana Magistrates Court
  • Echuca Magistrates Court
  • Edenhope Magistrates Court
  • Geelong Magistrates Court
  • Hamilton Magistrates Court
  • Hopetoun Magistrates Court
  • Horsham Magistrates Court

Defense lawyer At Regional Victorian Courts

  • Kerang Magistrates Court
  • Korumburra Magistrates Court
  • Kyneton Magistrates Court
  • Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court
  • Mansfield Magistrates Court
  • Maryborough Magistrates Court
  • Myrtleford Magistrates Court
  • Portland Magistrates Court

Defense lawyer Victorian Courts

  • Sale Magistrates Court
  • Seymour Magistrates Court
  • Shepparton Magistrates Court
  • St Arnaud Magistrates Court
  • Stawell Magistrates Court
  • Wangaratta Magistrates Court
  • Warrnambool Magistrates Court
  • Wonthaggi Magistrates Court
Over 25 Years Experience in Melbourne Courts

Advice | Understanding | Empathy

Our Google Reviews Say It All

Over 100+ 5 star reviews

Brad
Brad
2 months ago
Had a wonderful experience with Phil, who represented my Client incredibly well and achieved the best possible outcome for him. Everything was smooth throughout the entire process with strong communication or organisational efforts at all times. Court day is where Phil really shone, putting my client at ease and guiding him through the process. Phil is now my first choice for in court legal representation.
Mark
Mark
2 months ago
I found myself in a legal situation and after my first contact with Phil, he was very professional, by listening and responding with providing clear, confident understanding of my position and then explained my options in plain terms. He was prepared thoroughly at every hearing and the outcome was better than I could imagine. Thank you again Phil. Highly recommended.
Jun
Jun
2 months ago
Phil’s someone you hope you never need, but when you do all you will ever need. Most lawyers have a grasp of legal matters, the way Phil practices law is the true differentiation. He will guide you through in plain English and more like an old friend than a service provider. Like a friend, he will give it to you straight but in a way that leaves you feeling like he’s got your back rather being handed a new one. A coffee after a milestone, thanks Phil 🙏
DANI
DANI
3 months ago
We cannot thank Phil enough for his kind, compassionate and professional approach with our legal matter. Phil ensured us that he would do everything he could and beyond, to get the result he wanted for us, and that he did. Life changing. Thank you 🙏 Phil. Dre and Dani …
Jia
Jia
4 months ago
I’m extremely grateful for the support and expertise of Phil. He provided clear, confident and highly effective representation. Excellent communication and genuine care throughout the process. Highly recommended.
Vince
Vince
4 months ago
Phil is an exceptional lawyer who is very down to earth, professional, and punctual. He doesn’t sugarcoat things and explains the possibilities clearly, which helped me make informed decisions during a very difficult time. Phil got me out of a very traumatic experience and was truly a blessing throughout the entire process. He was always responsive and worked tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for my case. I am incredibly grateful for his dedication and straightforward approach. Highly recommended.
Devn
Devn
4 months ago
Phil is an exceptional lawyer who is very down to earth, professional, and punctual. He doesn’t sugarcoat things and explains the possibilities clearly, which helped me make informed decisions during a very difficult time. Phil got me out of a very traumatic experience and was truly a blessing throughout the entire process. He was always responsive and worked tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for my case. I am incredibly grateful for his dedication and straightforward approach. Highly recommended.

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